Mitsubishi is giving its Outlander SUV a more adventurous makeover for the 2028 model year. Called the Diamond Trail Edition, the new variant introduces off-road-focused upgrades designed to make the family crossover more capable away from paved roads.
The Japanese automaker describes it as the most capable Outlander it has ever offered in North America. Changes include redesigned bumpers, all-terrain tires, unique exterior styling, and a dedicated Rock driving mode.
The 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will make its public debut at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, running from November 3 through November 6. The event also marks Mitsubishi’s return to the aftermarket exhibition for the first time since 2012.
Mitsubishi hasn’t announced pricing or an exact on-sale date for the new model. However, the Diamond Trail Edition is expected to sit near the top of the Outlander lineup when it arrives.
New Rock Mode Improves Off-Road Traction
The biggest mechanical upgrade is a new Rock mode for Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. It uses quicker brake intervention to reduce wheelspin and improve traction when driving over rocky or uneven terrain.
Selecting Rock mode also automatically activates Hill Descent Control, helping drivers maintain a controlled speed on steep downhill sections. A dedicated instrument-cluster display shows individual wheel slip, steering angle, and traction-control activity.
The SUV’s Multi-View Camera System has also been upgraded for off-road use. It can remain active at speeds up to 18.6 mph, compared with just 6.2 mph on the standard Outlander.
More Aggressive Styling And All-Terrain Tires
The Diamond Trail Edition features redesigned front and rear bumpers that improve its approach angle from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees and departure angle from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees. These changes should help reduce the chances of scraping the bodywork when tackling obstacles.
Other exterior upgrades include a matte-black grille, wider fender flares, raised roof rails, and 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires.
Inside, Mitsubishi has added water-repellent dark gray upholstery with khaki stitching, along with unique Diamond Trail badging. A new Trail Green Metallic exterior color will also be available, optionally paired with a contrasting white roof.
Three Versions Will Appear At SEMA
Mitsubishi will display three Diamond Trail Editions at SEMA, including a largely standard example and two heavily accessorized builds. The most extreme version features a 2.5-inch suspension lift, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, Method wheels, and a rooftop tent.
The Diamond Trail Edition is part of Mitsubishi’s broader effort to emphasize adventure-oriented vehicles in North America. While it won’t turn the Outlander into a dedicated rock crawler, its revised hardware and new driving mode should give drivers greater confidence when venturing beyond the pavement.